WILMINGTON — First responders from around Delaware should keep in mind the three archangels as they go about the business of protecting and serving, a former police officer reminded them on Sept. 29.
Deacon Vince Pisano of Holy Cross Parish in Dover and a former officer in Rockaway Township, N.J., delivered the homily at the annual Blue Mass, which was held at St. John the Beloved. He addressed several dozen officers from the state, county and local police departments, firefighters and others in the congregation.
The Mass was held on the feast day of the three archangels of the church: Saints Raphael, Gabriel and Michael. Raphael is the healer, Gabriel is the messenger, and Michael is the protector and the patron saint of first responders.
“What do we know about them?” Deacon Pisano asked. “What do they do for us?”
The saints work in the lives of first responders every day, he said.
“We think we can live our lives in our own way without any protection, and we’re wrong,” he said. “God protects us who protect others.”
First responders have an awesome responsibility, having sworn to protect people and uphold the laws. It’s easy sometimes to forget our guardian angels while on the job, Deacon Pisano said.
He also stressed the importance of earning the respect of the people they serve. All it takes is one bad interaction to ruin that trust.
“Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have these guardian angels to depend on?” he said.
Bishop Koenig celebrated the Mass. In addition to Deacon Pisano, the bishop was joined by former police officers Deacon Walt Ferris and Msgr. Steven Hurley, along with other priests and Bishop Francis Malooly, whose family has a long history in law enforcement.
Photos by Mike Lang.
